Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be over but who cares. La Rousse will be extending our 30% off code through Friday, Dec. 4. Enter code = BF30 at shoplarousse.com.

For those shoppers that want to get up close and personal with La Rousse merchandise come out to the following events this weekend.

SATURDAY, DEC 5th - Eastside Shopping and Gift Show from 12-5pm at Blakely Hall in Issaquah. The event will benefit Seattle's Children's Hospital and La Rousse will have apparel and accessories marked 30-70% off. Click here for more details.

Join Seattle's Fashion Group International for an Exclusive shopping night at Clutch located at the Fairmont Hotel on Monday, November 30th. Enjoy sweet treats, shopping and networking with some of Seattle's most stylish women. FGI members will enjoy a special 15% discount off all regular priced handbags- so if you’re not a member, now is a great time to sign up! The event will be held from 6- 8pm. Membership kits will be available for anyone interested in joining FGI at the event. Clutch is located at 1212 4th Ave. in Seattle.

London-based online jeweller Astley Clarke was recently awarded the Walpole Award for "Best Online Luxury Brand 2009" beating out other jewelry notables including Cartier and Louis Vuitton. Judges agreed that AstleyClarke.com has shown creative innovation through the use of online marketing and social media to achieve outstanding sales results and a luxury presence online in 2009. AstleyClarke.com is now regarded as the home of the World’s best collection of designer jewellery.

If the name rings a bell, it’s because Astley Clarke has been featured in numerous fashion magazines including Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire and Vogue. Shop online and receive free next day delivery in the UK, or peruse through one of their seven holiday gift guides to find the perfect present for someone special.

Here is a sampling of some of the great pieces you’ll find on the Astley Clarke site.

As the resident beauty addict and travel aficionado in my social circle, I’m always hip to what’s hot when it comes to new beauty products and travel solutions. I recently discovered a beautiful satin lined makeup bag that not only doubles as a lingerie bag while you’re traveling, it also comes with a removable plastic liner that’s disposable and eco-friendly. The Vemayca Cosmetic Bag is a lifesaver for busy women who need a stylish way to organize their beauty products. It has a high quality liner that is designed to keep your handbag or suitcase clean if your products should accidently spill while you’re on the go. Plus, the liner snaps in/out so it can easily be removed for cleaning. When you’re ready to throw out the old liner you can simply toss it into the recycling bin because it’s made from eco-friendly plastics that won’t harm the environment. New disposable liners come in 3-pack refills for $10.

“A few years ago, as I was packing for one of my many business trips, I was frustrated that my favorite cosmetic bag had become so dirty inside,” says founder Veronica Mayo, “You know what I am talking about: the mascara, powder and grime that gets layered inside.” That’s when Veronica decided there had to be a better way. The former American Airlines Executive went on to create the Vemayca bag with it’s signature soft pearl liner. “Vemayca was created ultimately because I needed cosmetic and accessory bags that suited my needs and lifestyle. Practicality was just one of the requirements. It was also important that I design a bag that was soft, modern and beautiful,” says Veronica.

The Vemayca bag makes a great holiday gift for the women in your life because it’s practical and beautifully luxurious. The bags are $35 and right now, if you order 3 or more, shipping is absolutely free. Visit Vemayca Cosmetics Bags to learn more about this great new product. Vemayca is based out of Seattle, so shop local and support local businesses!

Everyone can appreciate a great handbag, especially one that is made from genuine Italian leather. Rocco E Dante is having a Special Black Friday Sale on 2 bags from the collection (Olivia and Katie models) that are perfect for Holiday Gifts or as a nice indulgence for yourself! Both handbags are on sale for $125 each which is 75% off the original retail price, so buy one for yourself and get one for a friend! Email your orders to roccodante@comcast.net!

My days are non-stop and one of the things I’m not willing to compromise despite my chaotic schedule is a fresh face. After a long day my skin gets shiny and that’s why I never leave home without oil absorbing blotting papers. Lifting excess oil from the skin is the best way to avoid breakouts and give skin a fresh finish no matter how crazy your day may be.

I recently discovered TATCHA Aburatorigami oil blotting papers and now I’m addicted and won’t leave home without them! Tatcha is 100% natural, free of harmful chemicals and also eco-friendly. Each sheet is handmade and comes from the same gold leaf artisan village in Japan where it all started 300 years ago. This is the first time the product is available in the United States.

“I’ve been enraptured with beauty care all my life – first as a passionate consumer, then as an assistant in my mother’s cosmetics boutique, and later as a marketer for one of the leading global beauty care companies,” says founder Vicky Tsai, “It wasn’t until I worked with an online consumer products rating service that I learned about the environmental and health hazards posed by the conventional beauty industry that I had always loved.” That realization led Vicky to dedicate two years to researching heritage beauty secrets from the Far East where green is not just a buzz word, but an entire way of life. “Finding out that I am going to be a mother for the first time has also been a source of inspiration,” Vicky added, “Because it’s made me want to do everything that I can to bring my daughter into a healthy, beautiful world.”

TATCHA Aburatorigami Japanese blotting paper come in packs of 30 sheets for $12 and shipping is always free. The sheets flawlessly remove excess oil and sweat without disturbing makeup or stealing moisture from the skin. Plus, the sheets are powder free, so they won’t deposit any additional powder to the skin when absorbing oil.

Michael Kors recently opened a lifestyle store at The Bellevue Collection in Bellevue, WA. The 3,000 square foot store offers a full range of accessories from all of the collections, Michael Kors, KORS Michael Kors and MICHAEL Michael Kors, with a selection of ready-to-wear pieces from both Michael Kors Collection and MICHAEL Michael Kors. Fragrance, eyewear and other licensed product categories are also featured.

Sabrina Love wants to thank her loyal supporters with a generous 30% off all handbags from now through November 24th. Enter FALL09 into the 'Gift Code' box to get the discount. Sabrina Love handbags are made with the highest quality of supple Italian Lamb leather, and luxurious imported hardware, but proudly made in the USA.

As the weather gets cold, a pair of Ugg boots may be just the thing you need to keep your feet warm and stylish this fall. Whooga Boots are made from merino sheepskin using Thermofleece technology, they offer great luxury and the best part is that they are priced a lot more competitively than other ugg boots out there on the market. These boots are springier, softer to wear, distribute pressure more effectively and circulate more air. Plus, there are colors and fits to match any personal style and preference.

These boots are also perfect for gift giving! After all, Black Friday is almost here! Shop online by clicking here.

Designer Lisa Vian Hunter has been creating exquisite clothing for her namesake line since 2006. As a graduate of FIDM she lives and breathes fashion and now hopes to share her creations with Seattle through her new boutique which recently opened at 2841 E. Madison Street. Her designs are all made locally and help to support the local economy. 10% off all Vian Hunter House of Fashion profits are also donated to New Beginnings, an organization committed to helping end domestic violence. Click here for more info.

*Insider tip*Check out the coloring book feature on the website! Little fashionistas in training will LOVE this!

Harrods is giving emerging talent a boost with a newly launched online initiative called “Harrods Launches”. On Friday the store showcased two new designers, Manjit Deu and Iris van Herpen, on harrods.com. Both collections are absolutely stunning and worth checking out! Online orders can be placed for Deu’s collection online before it lands at the Knightsbridge store Feb. 10 and van Herpen’s collection can be previewed before it’s exhibited at the store from Nov. 23 to Dec. 6. That collection, however, will not be sold according to recent reports on Women’s Wear Daily. Each season the store plans to “launch” new talent and feature different designers.

Marigay McKee, fashion and beauty director at Harrods, said she’d like Harrods Launches to become a springboard for Britain-based talent. “We like to think that with backing, these young designers will be the stars of the future,” she told WWD. She said she hoped the Harrods site would educate customers about the new talent and tempt them to buy.

Deu, a Londoner with roots in India, has a master’s degree from the London College of Fashion and first showed his collection for fall 2009 at the London Fashion Week exhibition. Van Herpen, who is from the Netherlands, has worked at Alexander McQueen and Claudy Jongstra and is a graduate of the ArtEZ Academy of Arts in Arnhem, Holland.

So many events and so little time. Here is a quick list of this week's Fall Fashion Events to help you plan out your week.

*November 15th- Last day of the 26th Annual Goodwill Glitter sale! It’s for a great cause and you just might find a hidden treasure! Click here.

*November 15th- The West Seattle Fashion Brunch and runway show at Shadowland featuring fashion from Sweetie & Carmilia’s. For more info click here.

*November 18th- SPUN and Jesica Milton host an evening of wine, light appetizers and shopping at Hotel Max from 5-8pm. This is a great opportunity to pick up some local clothing for those on your holiday list and get a chance to preview SPUN’s newest collections before it hit stores. Click here for more info.

*November 19th- Join La Rousse for a holiday bazaar featuring kaarskoker, Lit, and Piano Nobile Home. All four retailers will be offering discounts of 20-30% so get ready to start your holiday shopping early! Doors open at 10am. Warm spirits served from 5p-8p. The event will be held at Lit, 1906 Prospect St. E. For more info, click here.

*November 19th- Calidora’s Anniversary Party from 6-8pm at the Downtown Calidora Skin Clinic. Enjoy complimentary make-up touch ups by MAC trained artists and see the latest holiday colors and trends! Plus get tons of discounted prices on Calidora’s best selling skincare packages. Space is limited. RSVP to nwright@calidora.com

*November 21st- Sway & Cake is hosting a Genetic Trunk Show in store from 12-6pm. For more info click here.

*November 21st- Join The Industry for a holiday soiree to benefit Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission. Bring in a gently used coat and receive 40% off any item in the store. For more info click here.

Join The Industry for a holiday soiree to benefit Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission. Bring in a gently used coat and receive 40% off any item in the store. "The idea is simple," says owner Angela Kantanto,"We all know how bone chilling cold Seattle gets in these next few months and we think we should try and do what we can to help those in need."

Join Sway & Cake on Saturday, November 21st for a Genetic Denim Trunk Show from 12-6pm. Drinks and snacks will be served and fabulous denim will be unveiled. Known for it’s fashion-forward style, Generic Denim combines top quality fabrics with washes and cuts from around the world to ensure the best, most comfortable fit possible.

*Sway and Cake is located at 1631 Sixth Ave. across from Pacific Place.

The December 6th Boutique Culture Warehouse Sale at the Hyatt at Olive 8 features more than 20+ local boutiques and premium designers offering up to 80% off all merchandise. Boutique Culture will also debut the online version of its Warehouse Sale, the first online store to feature closeout prices without fussy memberships or invitations! (Yay!)

Participants in the sale include:

A to Z Tees

Alhambra

Asher Anson

BCO

CMRTYZ

Deco Modiste

Katie Kay

Mapel

Moksha

Nuvo Moda

Plane Jane

Purely Paige

Queen Anne Dispatch

Sabrina Love Handbags

Stella & Dot

Suzabelle

Sureel

Totokaelo + Impulse

Zovo Lingerie

What:

The Boutique Culture Holiday Warehouse Sale offers a unique opportunity for shoppers to stock up on new and closeout merchandise, winter/spring must-haves and accessories that give outfits that final, individual touch. This one day shopping event boasts outlet prices in an atmosphere that is anything but. Chic, entertaining and complete with full service cash bar and martini-style lounges, the Boutique Culture Winter Warehouse Sale features designer men’s and women's collections at up to 80% off retail prices.

VIP Shopping from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. o $10 prior to evento Mimosas, gourmet donuts, fresh fruit platters and an additional 10% off all purchaseso A percentage of ticket sales will be donated to a local chapter of Dress for Success

General Admission from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.o Free Admission

Seattle’s first Clothing Swap, sponsored by AlixRose.como Upon entering the BCWS, shoppers can exchange ten of their clean, gently worn designer items for five of someone else’so All the rage in New York and Los Angeles, the Clothing Swap is great way to revitalize your closeto Remaining items will be donated to local men’s, women’s and children’s charities in SeattleAcceptable clothing for the swap:o Gently worn, clean, washed, and without holes, tears, marks or stainso Designer, vintage, new, modern or one of a kindo Dresses, skirts, tops, blouses, shorts, jackets, hats or shoeso Any size or fabrico Not allowed: swimwear, lingerie or accessoriesThe debut of Boutique Culture’s Online Storeo Sale inventory from boutiques and designers around the globeo Prices of up to 80% off retail, with most items under $100o All of the perks of other sale sites, but without the fuss of membership sign-ups or invitationsWhy:

Major Savings: The Boutique Culture Warehouse Sale is an all-inclusive, one-stop-shop that connects Seattle's style-savvy bargain hunters with their favorite boutiques and designers. Boutique Culture saves shoppers time and money by organizing all the city’s best boutiques and brands into one easy to navigate event. Feel Good:

In addition to feeling chic in new designer duds and satisfied with deeply discounted prices, attendees can feel good about giving back to their community. Boutique Culture will provide a portion of its VIP ticket sales to Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that advances women and their career opportunities by outfitting them with professional attire. Boutique Culture will also donate the remaining fashions from the Clothing Swap to other local Seattle charities.Where:Hyatt at Olive 8: 1635 8th Ave. Seattle, WA 98101When: Sunday, December 6th (VIP: 9–11 a.m and General admission 11am-6pm). Clothing swap runs from 11am-4pm.Who:

Anyone who can appreciate a great deal on designer brands.Details:

All participating vendors accept cash and many accept all major credit cards. Conveniently-located fitting rooms will be available to shoppers. Street parking on site and in nearby lots. Valet is not included in ticket price.

I am loving this whole movement toward expanding airport retailing. Let’s face it, people love to shop and what better way to spend a two-hour layover than perusing your favorite stores? Juicy Couture has become the latest retailer headed to the airport and plans to open four stores at airports worldwide beginning in December. Store locations include Miami International Airport’s American Airlines terminal, British Airways terminal at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Taiwan TaoYuan International Airport’s Terminal II and a final store at the Athens Airport in the duty-free area.

“We know that our customer is traveling and she’s in the airports,” said Ellen Rodriguez, senior vice president of global licensing and international at Juicy Couture. “Women are always wearing our tracksuits, especially to travel in. We just don’t think she’s being targeted by other retailers in these airports, so there’s a real opportunity there for us.”

Now when I travel and forget a pair of earrings, need an extra bag, want to buy a last-minute gift, or just want to indulge in something for myself, I can hit the Juicy Couture store! LOVE!

So many fashion events- so little time! In order to help plan your week, here's a list of Seattle's best events coming up this week. From beauty to fashion- there's something for everyone. Pencil these great events into your calendar now!

November 10th- Fall Fashion FGI Event at Ummelina Day Spa. Event highlights include a mini trunk show, complimentary hand massages and foot soaks from Ummelina and a special presentation by FGI member Margaret Spencer who is a Seattle-based wardrobe stylist.

November 12th- The Finerie’s Fall Fashion Event at BoConcept. Come for fashion, furnishings, and of course, to preview The Finerie’s Fall and Winter collections styled by Leigh Dawson and Team Artistic from Gene Juarez.

November 12th- Y.E.S. Seattle's 2nd Anniversary event from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Banana Republic in downtown Seattle. Enjoy 25% off all of your purchases, light appetizers, refreshments and networking with some of Seattle's best & brightest young professional women!

November 13th- Join Little Black Dress Events and Productions for Blush II, a fashion trend show that will showcase local designer Vantha Ry's second collection in addition to highlighting Spring 2010 beauty and fashion trends.

November 14th- H&M releases the Jimmy Choo collaboration collection at select stores. The collection will feature shoes, handbags and a capsule eveningwear collection.

November 14th- Avoid the mall mayhem while stocking up for the season of celebration at Elaia spa – downtown Seattle’s newest eco-friendly retreat. Located within LEED certified Hyatt at Olive 8, Elaia is offering the ultimate shopping experience with 20% off all spa services booked and an exclusive holiday trunk show hosted by popular local jeweler Zavida Gemstones. The event is free and will be held at the Elaia Spa located within the Hyatt at Olive 8 from 12pm-7pm.

With over 800+ shoppers last year, the 26th Annual Goodwill Glitter Sale aims to surpass that number next weekend when they open the doors at the Dearborne Street Goodwill location. The two-day sale will feature some of the most unique fashion finds including one-of-a kind vintage items, designer shoes, off-label jackets, faux fur vests, accessories, estate jewelry and more! You never know what you’ll find in this treasure hunt, but rumors have been leaked that Glitter Sale organizers have spotted Moschino, Prada, Miu Miu and more while sorting through sale items. Last year the sale raised over $140,000 for Goodwill to use on various programs including job training, employment placement services and other community programs.

Make the most of your shopping adventure by going through your closet before the Glitter Sale and donating old items. It’s for a good cause and it will help clear out some room in your closet!

The Finerie is hosting a holiday fashion event at BoConcept on Thursday November 12th. Come for an evening of fashion, conversation, delicious cuisine from Gourmondo Catering, and stylish furnishings by BoConcept. Preview The Finerie's Fall and Winter collections with styling by Leigh Dawson and Team Artistic of Gene Juarez.

The David Lawrence Annual Clothing Drive will be held from Friday, November 6th until Monday, November 16th, 2009 to support Seattle's Union Gospel Mission. Bring in your gently used clothing and treat yourself to 25% off any item. Clothing donations will be accepted at both store locations.

Join Queen Anne Dispatch this Friday for their semi-annual Friends & Family Event! The fun starts at 6pm and goes until 10pm. Enjoy music from a live DJ, small bites and complimentary drinks as you shop and receive 20% off all the brands you love.

Pearls are like the perfect little black dress, they never go out of style. They’ve been worn by classy celebrities including Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, but most recently pearls have been seen on the set of Sex & The City on Sarah Jessica Parker.

When it comes to shopping for pearls, quality is key and no one does quality better than MIKIMOTO pearls. Since 1893 Mikimoto has been creating beautiful pearl jewelry for women all around the globe. With proper care, quality pearls can last a lifetime and they are so versatile you can dress them up or down, making them an investment in any stylish wardrobe.

Pearls make a great gift or a nice splurge for yourself. Shop online for Mikimoto Pearls.

Meet Sydney

Sydney Mintle is a fashion blogger based in Seattle. She began writing about the local shopping scene back in 2008 and has been sharing her love of indie designers and boutiques with readers all over the world ever since.